Facials: are they money for old rope?

[StreetFighter]

I had a few facials back in my early twenties, when tbh I really didn't need them, being in the bloom of fresh-faced youth; I think I got them done because I thought I was being fancy and adult more than anything else.

Nearly twenty years later, the mirror informs me that my skin could do with a pick-me-up, and my thoughts are drifting towards facials again. However, I can't help thinking that (based in my previous experiences) it'll just be handing over fifty quid for an indiscernible end result, and I'm probably better off buying a sachet of face mask from Boots and having an early night.

Any proponents of facials here? Are they worth the cash?

[ClarissaDarling]

I'd do your plan plus drinking lots of water and cutting down on caffeine and booze (that's me who drinks too much coffee and red wine!) but that's because am too poor for facial at the moment!!

[fortyfourfeasts]

I agree. My skin looks better after a night's sleep and plenty of water. However, I went for a spa day recently and my friend had a facial and she came out looking radiant! I suspect the effect is short term though!

[pennycarbonara]

I found that most of them were.

Unless you luck out, or know someone with really similar skin to yours who has found something great, you end up trying useless ones on the quest for one that works. I went to a cheap local beautician in a town I used to live in because she was fabulous at extractions, which was what I needed, way better than places you'd pay £50 for. The only other ones I found any good (only went 2 or 3 times ever as £££) were at Bliss in London. It's ridiculously individual, like trying to find bras that fit perfectly.

Unless it's something you think you can't sort out at home, or are very confident about a recommendation, I probably wouldn't bother now (as someone who had a similar pattern of doing lots of beauty stuff when younger and less now). If you can't afford to chuck money around trying stuff, I would be more inclined to go round department stores, blagging samples in the hope you find one thing that works.

[Blue2014]

Depends what you have done and how your skin is. I used to have quite spotty skin, my facialist was amazing and it genuinely made a world of difference. I suspect she would be able to make my slightly older skin "glow" now too (if I could be bothered)

So I suspect your average spa or beauty salon probably just rub your face a bit but the right person can do an incredible job

[Feefeefs]

Dermalogica facials are awesome, to be an accredited salon your staff have to be trained by them so if the salon advertises it they should be trained. You need to have them fairly regularly, every 3 months or so, for me my skin tone and texture is more even and my pores are much clearer. I can tell when I need one. The stuff you buy in boots etc is not as strong as salon level stuff so there is definitely a difference.

[ChickenVindaloo2]

Um, unless it's a medical grade chemical peel or something, then a facial is designed to be an pleasurable experience. Any "glowiness" referred to above will be short-lived. At worst, they can aggravate your skin causing spots and redness.

Better to have a gentle, consistent regime every day and remember it takes a month for skin to renew itself so be patient.

I recommend looking into SPF/acid toners/retin-A/VitaminC serum.

Have fun!

[ChickenVindaloo2]

What I'm trying to say is that anything a beauty therapist can do (as opposed to a dermatologist) can only have a minimal effect on the skin. Much like over the counter skin products vs medical grade products/procedures.

High street facials are about feeling good with their twinkly music and nice scents. I prefer the real drugs! #Retin-A

[mowglik]

I would invest in some heavy duty cleanser, serum, moisturiser and eye cream for that money (may need to top up as it may be more than£50 unless you research really well). You'll see more long term permanent effects and your skin will benefit from all the daily goodness

[LaundryQueenHatesIroning]

I used to have dermalogica facials with the acid and microdermabrasion every two weeks when I was single and had the time and money to afford it and my skin looked amazing. When I look back of pictures of myself it looks my skin is airbrushed! Unlike now when it looks like shite. So I would definitely do it now if I could afford it.

[PollyPerky]

I think they are. I've only had facials as part of rare spa packages and was not impressed. For £50+ you could buy some nice products to use at home.

My opinion is that anything rubbed into your skin by anyone is not going to make a huge difference and you can exfoliate with a hot flannel for £1 or less.